GENDER ROLES AND MARRIAGE
The husband acts as the head of the family by working hard to take care of them and meet their basic needs. Women see themselves as true helpmates to their husbands, especially in monogamous homes.
Interestingly, women do sometimes hold leadership positions in their villages. In fact, they are sometimes elected as village heads. Although, in the home, wives submit to their husbands, they act as powerful voices and decision-makers in their communities.
Polygamy is commonly practiced in the area. Many men view polygamy as a way of alleviating women’s domestic and farm burden, although women view it as a senseless invitation of trouble into their homes. Although women have made it clear to men that polygamy does not work well in the home, it is still practiced with little or no sensitivity to the women’s sentiments. The church teaches monogamy.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Despite general awareness about Gender Justice Laws passed in 2007, domestic violence based on gender remains a prevalent issue. Instances usually occur at night and are not mediated by anyone. Society believes that both parties have the responsibility to resolve their conflicts in the home. According to data collected by the government, 63 percent of women questioned in 2008 said it was "acceptable for a husband to beat his wife under certain circumstances."
TEENAGE PREGNANCY
Another common issue is teenage pregnancy and early marriages. Girls who become pregnant at a young age often drop out of school (never to finish) and get married to peers or older members in the community who impregnated them. The age gap between husband and wife is often wide.
SECRET SOCIETIES
Three types of secret societies are practiced: Bondo, Poro, and Ojeh. Very few people, members and non-members, will discuss these secret societies as discussion may lead to death by members of the group.
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| A Poro society ritual. |
